South Korea has introduced an electronic arrival card, replacing traditional paper forms for travelers, effective February 24, 2025. The initiative aims to simplify the entry process and increase the efficiency of immigration procedures. Find out what a Korean electronic arrival card is, who needs it, and how to apply for one.

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Starting February 24, 2025, South Korea has introduced a new system to simplify the process of entering the country. Travelers arriving in the Republic of Korea can now use the e-Arrival Card. The new initiative significantly simplifies and speeds up immigration procedures, and is expected to completely replace paper forms by 2026. The form must be completed before traveling.

We will talk about the e-Arrival Card and the procedure for its issuance later in this article.

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What is an e-Arrival Card?

An e-Arrival Card is a digital document that allows travelers to quickly and conveniently register their arrival information in South Korea. From now on, travelers can fill out all the necessary data online, without having to fill out paper forms when passing through immigration control.

This new system not only saves time, but also helps reduce the number of paper documents, which in turn has a positive impact on the environment and the efficiency of the immigration services.

Basic information about the Korean e-Arrival Card

- Submission deadline – at least three days before arrival.

- Validity period – 72 hours after issuance.

- Required information for processing:

1. Passport details.

2. Flight or ship information.

3. Residential address and contact details.

4. Valid email address.

What are the implementation periods for the Korean e-Arrival Card?

According to the Korean Immigration Service, the implementation will begin with a transitional phase:

- By December 2025, travelers will have the option to choose between a paper or electronic arrival card.

- From January 2026, only the online pre-arrival option will be available.

Who needs an e-Arrival Card for South Korea?

An e-Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign visitors, except:

- Registered South Korean residents.

- Holders of a valid Korean e-Travel Authorization (K-ETA).

- Airline crew members.

How to Get a Korean e-Arrival Card: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 – Visit the dedicated e-Arrival Card portal

You must apply for your e-Arrival Card on the official e-Arrival Card portal (currently under development).

Step 2 – Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions

- Travelers must agree to the platform’s terms and conditions before proceeding.

- For minors under 14 years of age, a family member or guardian must submit the form on their behalf.

Step 3 – Upload a copy of your passport

Travelers upload photos or scans of their passport data pages. The system will automatically extract personal data using optical character recognition (OCR) technology.

Step 4 – Enter your travel details

- Arrival date and flight/ship details.

- Intended departure date and flight number.

- Purpose of your stay in South Korea.

- Local residential address and contact details.

Step 5 – Submit the form

The process is completely free of charge, no approval process is required.

Step 6 – Receive your e-Arrival Card

Travelers can download the e-Arrival Card in PDF format or take a screenshot. A confirmation email will also be sent to the email address provided. However, it is important to note that travelers do not need to have a printed copy of the arrival card as the system automatically validates it during the security check.

One declaration can include up to nine accompanying travelers, making it ideal for families or groups.

Important! If travelers need to make changes after submission, they can edit their details on the website before going through immigration.

The South Korea Electronic Arrival Card is a modernized immigration system that is designed to improve the travel experience by ensuring a smooth and hassle-free entry process for foreign visitors.

For tourists and business people who frequently travel to South Korea, including citizens of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, this change is great news as it simplifies the border crossing process and makes trips more comfortable.

Get advice from an immigration lawyer to learn the current rules for traveling to South Korea.

Reminder! South Korea plans to consider a pilot program that will allow Chinese tour groups to enter without a visa. The main goal of this event is to stimulate tourism and contribute to further economic growth in South Korea. We have already mentioned that visa-free travel from China to South Korea is now known.

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